Pekka Rinne is expected to start in goal for the Predators against the Blackhawks tonight in Chicago. (Sanford Myers / The Tennessean)

This would finally vault Nashville out of sixth place in the West and fourth in the Central Division. The Predators have won 11 of 13 games, but have been unable to get ahead of one of the top three teams in the Central.

“We have to have a goal, our goal is to try to catch Chicago,” Coach Barry Trotz said. “We’re looking ahead all the time. We know if we play well, we win our games, we’re going to pass some teams.”

Chicago forward Jonathon Toews (upper body) won’t be in the lineup tonight. He ranks second in the NHL with 27 goals.

“They’re so offensively gifted. They have three lines that can score,” defenseman Shea Weber said. “It hurts for them not having him. But they have other guys who can fill in, and we have to make sure we’re ready.”

Trotz didn’t exactly say Pekka Rinne would start, but he is highly likely to go with the 6-foot-5 Finn. Rinne allowed one goal on 26 shots last night against Columbus. Said Trotz: “The second period (against the Blue Jackets) was really his workload. I didn’t think the first or third was much of a workload at all.”

Defenseman Francis Bouillon (upper body) made the trip, but is unlikely to play tonight. “It’s getting better. I can see some improvement, but probably not tonight,” Bouillon said.